Manufacturers produce HDPE geocells from high-density polyethylene to create soft cellular confinement systems. Once expanded and filled with suitable infill, the cells confine the material, reduce lateral movement, and improve surface stability.
Project teams commonly use HDPE geocells for moderate slope protection, erosion control, low-load support, and shorter-term applications with moderate structural demands.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers developed cellular confinement systems to improve support over weak or saturated subgrades. Early prototypes demonstrated the value of confinement, but the materials did not provide the durability required for long-term civil engineering use.
In the 1980s, manufacturers began using HDPE to produce more durable and flexible geocells. This material shift helped expand the use of geocells in light-duty and less demanding applications.
| Application | Typical Use |
|---|---|
| moderate slope protection | Helps retain soil, aggregate, or vegetated infill and reduce surface erosion. |
| Erosion control | Helps protect channels, embankments, drainage areas, and exposed surfaces. |
| Low-load support | Used for pedestrian areas, landscaping, light access, and temporary light weight paths. |
| Shorter-term applications | Useful for temporary light weight works. |
HDPE geocells can fit projects with low loading, shorter design-life requirements or moderate erosion control needs.
HDPE geocells can provide a practical and cost-effective confinement solution for suitable applications, and no need an engineering design.
Heavy-duty load support applications demand a geocell material that maintains its geometry, stiffness, and confinement contribution over time as recommended by International Standards. Repeated loading, elevated temperatures, and long-term stress can stretch or deform HDPE cell walls, reducing confinement and long-term performance.
For heavy-duty infrastructure, dynamic loads, high temperatures, or long design-life projects, engineers should evaluate whether Neoloy® Tough-Cells offer a more suitable long-term solution.
PRS can assess your project conditions and recommend the most suitable solution based on your application requirements.